Date of Award
1-1-2025
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences
First Advisor
Courtney Roper
Second Advisor
Kristine Willett
Third Advisor
Deborah Gochfeld
School
University of Mississippi
Relational Format
dissertation/thesis
Abstract
Air pollution, particularly fine particulate matter (PM2.5), poses a critical threat to global public health. This dissertation conducts an in-depth analysis of PM2.5 in Tennessee, emphasizing black carbon (BC), oxidative potential (OP), and the associated human health risks across diverse land use settings (residential and non-residential). To achieve this, PM2.5 samples were collected over various periods from multiple locations in Tennessee and analyzed for BC content using the Magee OT Sootscan Transminometer, while OP was evaluated through the dithiothreitol (DTT) assay. Additionally, developmental toxicity was evaluated using zebrafish, and health risks linked to BC exposure were examined through the EPA risk assessment models.In the initial study, PM2.5 and BC concentrations were examined over two months at four sites, revealing no significant location-based differences in concentrations; however, both pollutants exhibited a consistent positive trend across sites. OP displayed considerable variation by location and time, indicating differences in chemical reactivity that may impact health outcomes. Zebrafish toxicity assessment indicated no changes in morphology due to PM2.5 exposure, but behavioral alterations pointed to potential neurodevelopmental effects. The second study evaluated PM2.5 and OP across ten sites categorized by land use, revealing no significant differences by land use type but highlighting notable variations between locations and across seasons. Correlations between pollutants and meteorological factors highlighted the intricate nature of air pollution dynamics, reinforcing the necessity for localized monitoring. Lastly, annual and seasonal BC concentrations were determined at ten sites, with cancer risk estimates exceeding EPA thresholds in several locations, particularly for adults. Although non-cancer risks remained below concern levels, the elevated cancer risk indicates urgent public health concerns and emphasizes the need to incorporate BC into regulatory frameworks. Overall, this dissertation highlights that traditional assessments of PM2.5 based on mass measurements fail to capture the complexities of air pollution. By incorporating chemical characterization, biological toxicity assessments, and health risk modeling, this study advocates for a comprehensive approach to evaluating air quality. It emphasizes the need for localized assessment of air quality, which has significant implications for regulatory frameworks, public health policies, and environmental justice in tackling the challenges posed by air pollution.
Recommended Citation
Aminone, Voke Tonia, "Air Pollution Assessment: Variability of PM2.5, Black Carbon, Oxidative Potential, Toxicity, and Human Health Risks in Tennessee" (2025). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 3228.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/etd/3228